Real Madrid reignite interest in Timo Werner

Real Madrid have reignited their interest in German international Timo Werner, as Karim Benzema’s struggles refuse to reach their end.

According to a report by Spanish outlet El Confidencial, Real Madrid are stepping up their efforts to add more goals to their squad. Los Blancos have turned their attention back to Timo Werner, with a view to make a move for the German international in the January transfer window.

Werner has had the spotlight shined on him for a few years now, with his advent at RB Leipzig leading to the man who of European football setting their sights on him. The interest in him had died down for a while, owing to his poor showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

But, Werner is slowly clawing back to his best, with four goals and three assists in nine appearances across all competitions to show for his efforts. As a result, the interest in the German international has resurfaced as well, from a club that has followed his progress for a long time – Real Madrid.

The European champions inexplicably refused to add to their attacking option in the summer transfer window, despite the fact that they had lost a lot of goals upon the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid’s decision to not bolster their attack seemed to be vindicated early on in the season, with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio firing on all cylinders.

But, the flow of goals has stopped since, with Real Madrid failing to find the back of the net in each of their last four games – their worst goal drought in over 33 years. Benzema’s slump has been perhaps, the biggest contributing factor to this drought, with the goals drying up for Bale and Asensio as well.

While Mariano Diaz offers an alternative, there is surely a need to add more goals for Los Blancos. Real Madrid have thus, reportedly entered the market for a top class forward, with the likes of Harry Kane and Krzysztof Piatek among those who have been linked heavily. And, Werner is the latest name whose name has been thrown up.

The report iterates that Werner is being looked at as a long-term replacement for Benzema, with Real Madrid of the opinion that the German international will provide a definitive solution to the shortage of goals in Julen Lopetegui’s squad.

But, swooping the 22-year-old away from RB Leipzig could prove to be a tall order for Real Madrid, with the player reaffirming his loyalty to the club. Werner has insisted that his sole focus is on bringing Champions League football back to the Red Bull Arena, which could put a January move in jeopardy.

It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid are able to persuade the German international to part ways with Leipzig in the winter, or if they are forced to turn their attention to someone else.